Tuesday, November 26, 2013

David Byrne's 2010 concept album written with Fat Boy Slim about the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, Here Lies Love, morphed into a theatrical production at NYC's Public Theatre last spring. After a successful run where it was extended four times, the award-winning musical appeared for a one night only concert to raise funds for the Philippines. The cast contacted Byrne about doing something to raise money for relief efforts after Super Typhoon Yolanda (as Typhoon Haiyan is known in the Philippines) hit with catastrophic results on November 7th. After The Bowery Presents donated the use of Terminal 5, the show quickly came together, showcasing the soundtrack with the original cast and costumes.

Most of the cast is Filipino and as Byrne wrote in an email promoting the show, "The show is about the resiliency of the Philippine people -- that sentiment couldn't be more timely." He came out to welcome the crowd, introducing a representative of Doctors Without Borders and also suggested donations towards 350.org, a climate change organization. From there, it was non-stop singing by a talented group presenting memorable melodies that stick with you in that classic musical tradition with Byrne's danceable world view. Ruthie Ann Miles not only gives Imelda Marcos a pulse from the beginning but more importantly a heart -- she carries the show with her star presence and solid voice. For more information about the relief organizations, see below.

To preserve our planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current level of 400 parts per million ("ppm") to below 350 ppm. But 350 is more than a number—it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. At 350.org, we're building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis and push for policies that will put the world on track to get to 350 ppm.